Spatial Evolution Characteristics and Pattern Optimization of Rural Settlements in the Central Henan Region

With the deepening of new-type urbanization, the spatial evolution of traditional rural settlements in China has intensified and faces reconstruction. This study investigates the spatial evolution characteristics of rural settlements in the central Henan region, aiming to enrich the geographic information system of the rural settlement spatial pattern and provide theoretical and practical references for the development and transformation of rural settlements in Henan.Using kernel density estimation and GIS spatial analysis methods, with 2000, 2010, and 2020 as time nodes, this study calculates and analyzes the population density of rural settlements to characterize their spatial scale. Comparative analysis is employed to determine the spatial evolution characteristics of rural settlements in the central Henan region over the past 20 years.The results indicate that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, the density of rural settlement distribution in the central Henan region generally showed a decreasing trend, following the pattern of "declining from north and south towards the center," with a decrease in density first observed in the southern and northern regions, followed by a decline in the central region; (2) The distribution characteristics of settlements have shifted from being distributed across the entire region to becoming concentrated, ultimately focusing in the central region, specifically Xuchang City and Pingdingshan City.The spatial pattern of rural settlements in the central Henan region still faces issues such as high settlement density, uneven development with a focus on the southern and northern regions while neglecting the central region, and a lengthy evolution cycle. To address these issues, the following optimization strategies are proposed: optimize the spatial pattern of rural settlements in central Henan, upgrade settlement density; strengthen development in the central region; prioritize the construction of small towns to promote local urbanization.